Malaysian teens need to get fit for the sake of their mental health

Exercise is known as the cheapest antidepressant there is, but one that’s under-prescribed; excessive screen time, on the other hand, can be an unhelpful coping method. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

The teenage years are full of opportunities, but this phase is also made up of vulnerabilities.

The Adolescent Health Survey 2022 by the Ministry of Health reported that a third of teenagers in the country are overweight or obese, with four in five being physically inactive, and two-thirds, sedentary. This means most teenagers are at risk of conditions associated with inactivity and overnutrition, including cognitive function and mental health issues.